Did you know that heart attacks have beginnings/early warning signs? These “beginnings” occur in more than 50 percent of patients. If recognized in time, these “beginnings” can be treated before the heart is damaged!

Alarming Statistics:

Heart disease causes approximately one in every four deaths in the United States.

About 50 percent of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital. This suggests that many people don’t act on early warning signs.

Survey results show that only 27 percent of the respondents were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1.

 
By sharing early heart attack education, we can save lives and change these sobering statistics.

 What is EHAC?
“Early Heart Attack Care” includes three components:
1. A campaign intended to educate everyone about early symptoms of a heart attack in order to prevent the heart attack from ever occurring. Preventing a heart attack prevents heart damage.
2. A plea to the public to be responsible, not only for themselves, but for those around them who may be experiencing early heart attack symptoms, and to help them obtain immediate treatment.
3. A public education program that concentrates on the benefits of receiving early treatment, and activating emergency medical services.

What makes the EHAC campaign different?
Unlike most programs that promote recognition of the signs and symptoms of an impending heart attack, the EHAC initiative encourages early recognition when symptoms may be mild. For the 50 percent of people experiencing these symptoms, the attack can be prevented with early treatment BEFORE ANY DAMAGE TO THE HEART CAN OCCUR!

Did You Know?
85 percent of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack. EHAC is knowing the subtle danger signs of a heart attack and acting upon them immediately BEFORE HEART DAMAGE OCCURS

What are the Early Symptoms?
Remember, people may or may not experience any or all of these symptoms. People may experience mild chest symptoms, such as pressure, burning, aching or tightness. These symptoms may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe:

• Nausea
• Pain that travels down one or both arms
• Jaw pain
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
• Back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of fullness

Call 9-1-1, do not attempt to drive someone to the hospital when they are experiencing these symptoms.

Commit to three steps:
1. Learn the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack
2. Share EHAC with others
3. Take the pledge
Pledge to be part of a movement to save hearts and save lives BECAUSE EVERY HEART MATTERS.

The EHAC Pledge

I understand that heart attacks have beginnings that may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/or arm pain, and weakness. These may occur hours of weeks before the actual heart attack.  I solemnly pledge that if it happens to me, or anyone I know, I will call 9-1-1 or activate our Emergency Medical Services.

Name ________________________________

Date _____________________________

 Visit us at www.deputyheartattack.org for more information about heart disease and prevention.